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The Life of Christ

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MOUNTAIN VIEW, CAL., July, 1926

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20c a Year

LESSON HELP

EGINNING with the

fourth quarter of 1926

and extending over a period

of nine months, the book of

Acts will form the basis

for study in the Sabbath

school; and as a help in

studying the lesson, the

book,

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

by Mrs. E. G. White, will be indispensable. Prac-

tically every lesson note refers to this book. Quite

a full history of the early church and the apostolic

dispensation is set forth in this remarkably inter-

esting book. It is a most encouraging account of

the church at work, and a very strong help to

every believer.

Secure a copy of the book before this interest

ing series of lessons begins, and study it closely

in connection with each lesson.

The book contains 58 chapters, 63o pages,

printed on Bible paper. Cloth, $2.25 ; limp leather,

$3.

Printed in U. S. A.

THE LIFE OF CHRIST

LESSON 1

JESUS COMFORTS HIS DISCIPLES

July 3, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURE: John 14.

MEMORY VERSE: "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let

be afraid."

John 14: 27.

LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 662-672.

PLACE: A guest chamber in Jerusalem where the Passover feast was held

Jesus and His disciples.

PERSONS: Jesus and the eleven.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

is understood that Jesus spoke the words of this lesson after the

ceremony of washing the disciples' feet and the institution of the -

Lord's Supper.

"There can not be doubt that the first discourse was spoken while

still at the supper table. It connects itself closely with that statement

which had caused them [the disciples] so much sorrow and perplexity,

that, whither' He was 'going, they could not come."—"Life

and Times

of Jesus," Edersheitn, vol.

2, P.

513.

Suggestions for Daily Family Study

Note the "Setting of the Lesson," and read the Lesson Scripture. Drill

on the memory verse each day.

Study Questions

1-4,

and Notes 1, 2. Children may read paragraphs 1.5

of the primary lesson. Read pages 662-664 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 5-8, and Notes 3, 4. Children may read paragraphs 6-9

of the primary lesson. Read pages 667-669 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 9.12, and Note 5. Children may read paragraphs 10-12

of the primary lesson. Read pages 670 and 671 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 13-16, and Notes 6-8. Ask the children the questions in

the primary lesson. Read page 672 of the Lesson Help.

Review Questions 1-8. Study the life of Philip for evidence that he was

"slow

heart to believe." (See "The Desire of Ages," pp. 292, 293.)

What

events

are an index to the

character of Thomas? John 20: 24-28.

Review

Questions

9.16, each member of the family taking part.

QUESTIONS

I. What statement had Jesus made to the disciples about His separa-

tion from

them? John 13 : 33. Note i.

With what words of assurance and promise did Jesus seek to corn-

fort His disciples ? John 14: 1-4. Note

.3.

What

question did Thomas ask? Name the vital truths set forth

* in Jesus' reply. Verses 5-7.

4. What truth concerning his Master had Philip not yet understood?

Verses 8-ri. (Compare Heb. I : 1-3 with John 14: 9.)

What did Jesus" say those who believe in Him will do? What

special privilege will be granted such? John 14: 12-14. Note 3.

What will those do who love Him? Verse 15.

What request did Jesus say He would make of His Father? How

long will this other Comforter remain with believers? How in-

timate is His association with them? Verses 16, 17. Note 4.

Though leaving His disciples, what did Jesus promise them?

What does faith enable the believer to experience in personal re-

lationship with Jesus? Verses 18-20.

How is love for Jesus proved? What promise is made to those

who love Him? Verse 21.

10.

What question was asked by one of the disciples? What did Jesus

say in reply? Verses

22-24-

11.

What had Jesus desired to do at this timer Why could He not

do So? For what purpose did He tell the disciples, while still with

them, what He would do? John 14: 25, 29; 13 : 19; 16:

12.

What did He say the Holy Ghost would be able to do for them?

John 14: 26. Note 5.

13.

What does Jesus, give to every true disciple? Verse 27. Note 6.

14.

To what did He again refer? What might the disciples have

done? Verse 28.

15.

Why would it be impossible for Jesus to talk much more with the

eleven? Verse 3o. Note 7.

16, What would even the world know by tire experiences through

which He was to pass? Whose commandment was He obeying?

What did He then say to the disciples? Before leaving the upper

room, what did they do? Verse 31; Matt. 26: 30. Note 8.

NOTES

"There can not be doubt that the first discourse was spoken

while at the supper table. It connects itself closely with that state-

ment which had caused them [the disciples] so much sorrow and per-

plexity, that, whither He was going, they could not come; . . . the

two great elements in the discourse being, teaching and comfort"-

"Life and Times of Jesus," Edersheim, p. 513.

"The disciples could not rejoice when they heard this. Fear fell

upon them. They pressed close about the Saviour. Their Master and

Lord, their beloved Teacher and Friend, He was dearer to them than

life. To Him they had looked for help in all their difficulties, for

comfort in their sorrows and disappointments. Now He was to leave

them, a lonely, dependent company. Dark were the forebodings that

filled their hearts."-"The

Desire of Ages," p. 662.

The object of Christ's departure was the opposite of what the

disciples feared. It did not mean a final separation. He was going

prepare a place for them, that He might Come again, and receive them

unto Himself. While He was building mansions for them, they were

to build characters after the divine similitude."-Id.,

p. 663.

[ 4 ]

"By this Christ did not mean that the disciples' work would be

of a more exalted character than His, but that it would have greater

extent. He did not refer merely to miracle-working, but to all that

would take place under the working of the Holy Spirit."-14.,

664.

"The Saviour's promise to His disciples is a promise to 13 is church

to the end of time."—Id.,

p. 667.

"The Holy Spirit is Christ's representative, but divested of the

personality of humanity, and independent thereof. Cumbered with

humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally. Therefore it

was for their interest that He should go to the Father, and send the

Spirit to he His successor on earth. No one could then have any ad-

vantage because of his location or his personal contact with Christ.

By the Spirit the Saviour would be accessible to all. In this sense He

would be nearer to them than if He had not ascended on high."—

Id., p. 669.

The Holy Spirit "is the only effectual teachei of divine truth.

Only when the truth is accompanied to the heart by the Spirit; will it

quicken the conscience or transform the life. . . . No amount of edu-

cation, no advantages, however great, can make one a channel of light

without the cooperation of the Spirit of God. The sowing of the

gospel seed will not be a success unless the seed is quickened into life

by the dew of heaven."—Id.,

pp. 671, 672.

"Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His church,

and the promise belongs to us as much as to the first disciples. • But

like every other promise, it is given on conditions. There are many

who believe and profess to claim,the Lord's promise; they talk

about

Christ and

about

the Holy Spirit, yet receive no benefit. They do not

surrender the soul to be guided and controlled by the divine agencies.

We can not use the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is to use us. Through the

Spirit God works in His people 'to will and to do of His good

pleasure.' But many will not submit to this. They want to manage

theniselves. This is why they do not receive the heavenly gift. Only

to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and

grace, is the Spirit given. The power of God awaits their demand

and reception. This promised blessing, claimed by faith, brings all

other blessings in its train. It is given according to the riches of the

grace of Christ, and He is ready to supply every soul according to the

capacity to receive."—Id.,

p. 672.

What better and more valuable gift could Jesus bestow upon

His children than His own blessed peace—that heavenly peace which

the world can neither give nor take away? It is of more value than

gold or silver or diamonds. He said, "My peace I give unto you."

Let us take it, and be at rest in Him, amid the troubles of life which

surround us. Matt.ii: 28, 29; Isa. 3o: 15; Phil. 4: 7.

'Ilath nothing in Me.'

There is in Me no principle or feeling

that accords with his, and nothing, therefore, by which he can pre-

vail."—Barn

es' Ar.e.t

"Before leaving the upper chamber, the Saviour led His disci-

ples in a song of praise. His voice was heard, not in the strains of

[ 5 ]

some mournful lament, but in the joyful notes of the Passover

hallel [Psalm 117] :



praise the Lord, all ye nations;

Praise Him all ye people.

For His merciful kindness is great toward us,

And the truth of the Lord endureth forever.

Praise ye the Lord.'

"After the hymn, they went out. Through the crowded streets

they made their way, passing out of the city gate toward the Mount of

Olives. Slowly they proceeded, each busy with his own thoughts."—

"The Desire of Ages," p. 672.

LESSON 2

THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES

July 10, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURE: John 15: 1-15.

MEMORY VERSE: "I am the vine, ye are the branches." John 15: 5.

LESSON HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 674-680; "Steps to Christ,"

pp. 71-75.

PLACE: On the way from Jerusalem to the foot of Mount Olivet.

PERSONS: Jesus and

the

eleven.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

"Jesus and the disciples were on the way to Gethsemane, at the

foot of Mount Olivet, a retired spot which He had of ten visited for

meditation and prayer. The Saviour had been explaining to His dis-

ciples, His mission to the world, and the spiritual relation to Him

which they were to sustain. Now He illustrates the lesson. The

moon is shining bright, and reveals to Hjm a flourishing grapevine.

Drawing the attention of the disciples to it, He employs it as a

symbol."

—"The Desire of Ages," P.

74.

Suggestions for Daily FaMily Study

•

1. Read the "Setting of the Lesson" and the Lesson Scripture. Drill on the

memory verse each day.

2, Study Questions 1-3, and Notes 1, 2. Childreri may read paragraphs 1-3

of the primary lesson. Read pages 675 and 676 in "The Desire of Ages."

Study Questions 4-6, and Note 3. Children may read paragraphs 4-6 of

the primary lesson. Read pages 72-75 in "Steps to Christ."

Study Questions 7-9, and Notes 4, 5. Children may read paragraphs

7-9 in the primary lesson. Read selections from the Lesson Helps.

Study Questions 10-15, and Note 6. Children may read paragraphs 10

and 11 of the primary lesson. Read selections from the Lesson Helps.

Discuss the following topics :

The end of a life apart from Christ.

The source of a fruitful life.

The fruits of a Christian life.

The results of a fruit-bearing life.

Review the lesson and notes. Use "The Youth's Instructor" and "Our

Little Friend" if these papers are at hand.

[

6 ]

QUESTIONS

While on their way to the Mount of Olives, to what did Jesus call

the attention of His disciples? John 15: 1. Note 1.

What is done with every unfruitful branch? With every fruitful

one? Verse 2. (See Rev. 3: 19.) _Note 2.

How are God's children made clean? John 15: 3.

Upon what conditions may one bear the fruits of a Christian ex-

perience? Verse 4. Note 3.

What is the result of abiding in Him? How dependent are we

upon Christ in all we do? Verse 5.

If one abides not in Christ, what if sure to be the result? Verse 6.

What unlimited possibilities are the result of abiding in Christ?

Verse 7. Note 4.

How may we best glorify the Father? Verse 8.

By what words does Jesus seek to show the depth of His love for

us? How only can the disciple abide in Christ's love? Verses

9, to. Note 5.

io. Why did He tell His disciples these things? Verse 11. Note 6.

11.

What commandment did Jesus then give? Verse 12.

12.

What is the greatest pledge a person can give of his love for an-

other? Verse 13.

13.

How do we become friends of Jesus? Verse 14.

14.

What point of contrast is made between, a servant and a friend?

Verse 15, first part.

152 How fully had Jesus told His disciples concerning His Father?

Verse 15, last part.



NOTES

"The Jews had always regarded the vine as the most noble of

plants, and a type of all that was powerful, excellent, and fruitful.

Israel had been represented as a vine which God had planted in the

promised land. The Jews based their hope of salvation on the fact

of their connection with Israel. But Jesus says, I am the real Vine.

Think not that through a connection with Israel you may become par-

takers of the life of God, and inheriters of His promise. Through

Me alone is spiritual life received."-"The

Desire of Ages," p.

675.

(See Isa. 5: 1-7.)

"What a beautiful and appropriate type does the vine afford of the

mystical body of Christ. . . . Christ is not the trunk, nor the

branches, but the whole vine; they are members of His body, of His

flesh, of His bones [Col. 2: 17,

10."-Peloubet's Notes.

"'He taketh away.'

Because their presence injures the other

branches; and their remaining is of no benefit to themselves. As long

as there is hope of their bearing fruit, they are permitted to remain,

and are pruned and cared for. (See Luke 13:6-9.)"-Id.

" 'Every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth [pruneth] it, that

it may bring forth more fruit.' From the chosen twelve who had fol-

lowed Jesus, one as a withered branch was about to be taken away,

the rest were to pais under the pruning-knife of bitter trial. Jesus

[ 7

with solemn tenderness explained the purpose of the husbandman.

The pruning will cause pain, but it is the Father who applies the

knife. He works with no wanton hand or indifferent heart. There

are branches trailing upon the ground; these must be cut loose from

the earthly supports to which their tendrils are fastening. They are

to reach heavenward, and find their support in God. The excessive

foliage that draws away the life current from the fruit, must be

pruned off. The overgrowth must be cut out, to give room for the

healing beams of the Sun of Righteousness. The husbandman prunes

away the harmful growth, that the fruit may be richer and more

abundant."—"The

Desire of Ages," pp. 676, 677.

"You are just as dependent upon Christ, in order to live a holy.

life, as is the branch upon the parent stock for growth and fruitful-

ness. Apart from Him you have no life. You have no power to

resist temptation or to grow in grace and holiness. Abiding in Him,

you may flourish. Drawing your life from Him, you will not wither

nor be fruitless. You will be like a tree planted by the rivers of

water.

"Many have an idea that they must do some part of the work

alone. They have trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of sin, but

now they seek by their own efforts to live aright. But every such

effort must fail. Jesus says, `Without Me ye can do nothing.' Our

growth in grace, our joy, our usefulness,—all depend upon our union

with Christ.

It is by communion with Him, daily, hourly,—by abiding

in Him,—that we are to grow in grace."—"Steps

to Christ," pp. 73, 74-

Abiding in Christ is being as closely connected with Him as

the branch is to the vine. The branch draws its life through the vine

from its roots. This makes the branch so much a part of the vine as

to partake of the same nature; in fact, it is but an extension of the

•

vine itself. Remaining in that connection, the branch can bear only

the fruit of the vine, which is the product of the life of the vine. TO

have such close connection with Christ is to receive life from God

through Him and to bear only that fruit which is the product of His

life,—in short, to be the extension of Christ in humanity.

To abide in Christ is to abide in His love; not simply,to accept

forgiveness through His love, but to make His love our own, and

live in it. This is the transforming power of Christ, which changes

life's ambition, and directs the thoughts from a self-center to seek the

upbuilding of the distressed and wretched. This is the fruit of the

heavenly vine, which its connected branches must certainly bear.

`That My joy.'

The same kind of joy that I [Jesus] have,

and to be obtained in the same way. This joy is: (I) The joy of a

free activity in doing right, like the joy of motion in health, like the

song of a bird in the morning. (2) The joy of entire consecration

and submission to God. (3) The joy of doing good, of self-denial for

others. (4) The joy of perfect faith in a wise and loving God, com-

mitting everything to His care. (5) Joy in the conscious love of God

to us, communion and friendship with Him. (6) The joy of loving

others. (7) The joy of seeing others saved. (8) The joy of victory.

(9) In the. end, outward delights and pleasures to correspond with

the inward

joy."—Peloubet's Notes.

[ 8 ]

LESSON 3

JESUS IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE

July 17, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Matt. 26: 36-56. -

PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: Mark 14: 32-52; Luke 22: 39-53; John 18: 1-12.

MEMORY VERSE: "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation."

Matt. 26: 41.

LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 685-697.

PLACE: The Garden of Gethsemane.

PERSONS: Jesus and the eleven; Judas with the soldiers and the mob.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

In the upper room, earlier in the evening, Jesus had eaten the

Passover supper with the disciples. He had instituted the ordinances

of humility and the Lord's Supper. He had pointed out Judas as the

one who should betray Him, and Judas had hastily left the room. On

the way from Jerusalem, Jesus had paused in the moonlight to give

His disciples the beautiful lesson of the vine and its branches, after-

ward offering the wonderful prayer recorded in John 17.

"Toward the garden called Gethsemane

We turn our faces and our steps to-day

And wait in hushed and pitying grief apart,

While Christ the world's sins takes upon His heart.

For this He came—the Child of Bethlehem!

To meet this hour He trod strange, toilsome roads,

Misunderstood, hated, despised and feared;

He takes at last the heaviest of all loads—

To bear for others punishment and pain,

And so redeem the world for God again."

Suggestions for Daily Family Study

Read the "Setiing of the Lesson." Read the Lesson Scripture. Drill on

the memory verse each day.

Study Questions 1-3, and Notes 1-3. Children may read paragraphs 1-3

of the primary lesson. Read pages 685 and 686 of the Lesson

Help.

Study Questions 4-9, and Notes 4-6. Children may read paragraphs 4 and

5 of the primary lesson. Read pages 687-690 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 10-14, and Note 7. Children may read paragraphs 6-9

of the primary lesson. Read.pages 694 and 695 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 15-18. Children may read paragraphs 10-12 of the

primary lesson. Read pages 696 and 697 of the Lesson Help.

Read Luke 22: 39-53 and John 18: 1-12, noting additional information to

the account given in the Lesson Scripture.

Review the lesson and notes. Use other lesson papers if they are at hand.

QUESTIONS

After praying for His disciples, as recorded in John 17, to what

place did Jesus come with them? What did He say to them?

Matt. 26: 36. Note

Who were privileged to go with Him farther into the-garden?

What was Jesus' state of mind at this time? Verse 37. Note 2.

Why did Jesus desire the presence of these three disciples?

Verse 38. Note 3.

Having gone a little distance frOm them, what did Jesus then do?

Repeat the words of His prayer. Verse 39.

On returning to His disciples later, what did He find? What

question did He ask Peter? Verse 40. Note 4.

What admonition did He then give? Why was this especially

needed? Verse 41.

Going away a second time', what did Jesus pray? Verse 42.

Note 5.

In what condition did He find His disciples upon returning to

them the second time? Verse 43.

What did Jesus then do? With what intensity did He pray?

How was He strengthened? Verse 44;_Luke 22 : 41-44. Note 6.

to. Returning to the disciples, what did He then say to them? What

event was about to take place? Matt. 26: 45.

it. What did He bid them do? For what reason? Verse 46.

12.

While Jesus was thus speaking, who came into His presence?

Verse 47.

13.

What sign and direction did Judas give the multitude? What did

the betrayer immediately do? Verses 48, 49. Note 7.

14.

What did Jesus say to him? What did the multitude then do?

Verse 5o.

.15. What did Peter then do? Verse 51; John 18: to.

16.

What did Jesus say to him for this rash act? If He so desired,

in what manner could He have had protection? Why could He

not ask to be delivered from His enemies? Matt. 26: 5

-54.

17.

What question did He then ask the multitude? Verse 55.

18.

Why was all this done as it was? What did the disciples do at

this time? Verse 56.

NOTES

Gethsemane was an inclosure at the foot of the Mount of Olives.

Here our Lord was accustomed to go with His disciples for prayer

and instruction.

"Jesus had been earnestly conversing with His disciples and

instructing them; but as He neared Gethsemane, He became strangely

silent. . . . As they approached the garden, the disciples had marked

the change that came over their Master. Never before had they seen

Him so utterly sad and silent. As He proceeded, this strange sadness

deepened; yet they dared not question Him as to the cause. His form

swayed as if He were about to fall. Upon reaching the garden, the

disciples looked anxiously for His usual place of retirement, that

their Master might rest. Every step that He now took was with

labored effort. He groaned aloud, as if suffering under the pressure

of a terrible burden. Twice His companions supported Him, or He

would have fallen to the earth."—"The

Desire of Ages," pp. 685,686.

The three disciples taken to the interior of the garden, to wit-

ness Christ's suffering, had been the chosen witnesses of His trans-

figuration. These alone were permitted to behold the power of Christ

in raising the ruler's daughter from the dead.

"The human heart longs for sympathy in suffering. This long-

ing Christ felt to the very depths of His being. In the supreme agony

of His soul He came to His disciples with a yearning desire to hear

some words of comfort from those whom He had so often blessed

and comforted, and shielded in sorrow and distress. The One, who

had always had words of sympathy for them was now suffering super-

human agony, and He longed to know that they were praying for

Him and for themselves. How dark seemed the malignity of sin,

Terrible was the temptation to let the human race bear, the conse-

quences of its own guilt, while He stood innocent before God. If He

could only know that. His disciples understood and appreciated this,

He would be strengthened.

"Rising with painful effort, He staggered to the place where He

had left His companions. But He ffindeth them asleep' Had He

found them praying, He would have been relieved."—"The

Desire of

Ages," pp. 687, 688..

Our Lord shrank from the awful agony before Him; not the

physical suffering, not the mocking, the shame, the anguish; but from

the awful sense of sin which hid te Father's face, and weighed upon

the Son of man like the agony of a lost soul. No wonder He prayed

that if possible the cup be removed. God did not condemn Him for

that. He does not condemn us when we pray for deliverance from

some awful trial. God pities and loves us still.;

"for He knoweth our

frame; He remembereth that we are dust." He loved His Son no

less in dark Gethsemane than on the shining mount of transfiguration.

"God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's

agony. They saw their Lord inclosed by legions of satanic forces,

His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread.

There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals

have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they

watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory

from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in

His sight is

sin."—"The Desire of Ages," p.'693.

Judas could hardly have played the part of a betrayer better.

His words of greeting mean literally,

Rejoice, Rabbi,

or,

Be well,

Rabbi.

He had given the mob a sign: "Whomsoever I shall kiss."

The record says he "kissed Him." But the latter word "kiss" is an

intensive form, meaning he kissed Him fondly or heartily; "kissed

Him much." A. R. V., margin.

"Judas did not, however, believe that Christ would permit Himself

to be arrested. . . . Since He had escaped so many snares, thought

Judas, He certainly would not now allow Himself to be taken."—

"The Desire of Ages," p. 72o.

[ 11

LESSON 4

JESUS BEFORE THE HIGH PRIEST;

PETER'S DENIAL

July 24, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Matt. 26: 57-75.

PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: Mark 14: 53-72; Luke 22: 54-62; John 18:

12-27.

MEMORY VERSE: "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows,

and acquainted with grief." Isa. 53: 3.

LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 698-715.

PLACE: From the Garden of Gethsemane to the home of Annas, thence to tie

judgment hall of Caiaphas, the high priest.

PERSONS: Jesus; John; Peter; Annas; Caiaphas;

the council; witnesses;

onlookers; guards; servants.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

The mob had seized Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, and in

terror His disciples fled to save themselves. Jesus, knowing that His

time has come, yields Himself into the hands of His captors.

Suggestions for Daily Family Study

Note the "Setting of the Lesson." Read the Lesson Scriptine. Drill on

the memory verse each day.

Study Questions 1-5, and Notes 1-3. Children may read paragraphs 1-6

of the primary lesson. Read selections from the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 6-12, and Notes 4, 5. Children may read paragraphs

7.10 of the primary lesson. Read selections from the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 13-19, and Note 6. Children may read paragraphs 11-14

of the primary lesson. Read selections from the Lesson Help.

Read the Parallel Scriptures, noting additional information to the account

given in the Lesson Scripture.

Get in mind the order of events from the time Jesus and His disciples

left the room where the Passover feast was held until Peter denied his Lord.

- 7. Review the lesson and notes. Use the youth's and children's lesson papers

if they are at hand.

QUESTIONS

I. After Jesus was arrested in Gethsemane, where was He taken by

His captors? Matt. 26: 57. Note 1.

How did Peter follow his Lord at this time? Where did he go,

and for what purpose? Verse 58. Note 2.

What did the council deliberately seek to secure? With what

purpose in mind? Verse 59.

How successful were they in this? Verse 6o.

What testimony did the false witnesses bear? Verse 61. Note 3.

What did the high priest ask Jesus? Verse 62.

When Jesus held His peace, what did the high priest then say to

Him? Verse 63.

What answer did Jesus give? Verse 64. Note

What did the high priest then do and say? Verse 65.

10.

When he pressed the council for a decision, what verdict did they

pronounce? Verse 66: Note 5.

11.

How was Jesus then treated? Verse 67.

I2. What did they say to Him in mockery? Verse 68.

13.

What did a damsel say to Peter as he sat without in the palace?

Verse 69.

14.

How did Peter answer hel•? Verse 70.

15.

When Peter went out into the porch, what remark did another

make about him? Verse 71.

i6. How did he answer this tithe? Verse 72.

17. What did bystanders say to Peter a little later? Verse 73.

i8. With what emphasis did he deny his Lord a third time? What

immediately took place? Verse 74.

19. What did Peter now recall? What did he do? Verse 75. Note 6.

NOTES

John's record ( John 18: 13, 14) states that Jesus was taken first

to the home of Annas, the former high priest, a man much respected

by the Jews and still at the head of the officiating priestly family.

Later He was taken to the palace of Caiaphas, who was then high

priest. Caiaphas is identified as the one who had declared that it was

expedient that one man should die for the people. The occasion of

this utterance is found in John ii : 47-53, where it is said that the

expression did not originate with Caiaphas, but that as high priest, he

had been used of the Lord to utter a prophecy concerning Jesus'

death. Now he takes a leading part, by illegal and unbecoming means,

in bringing about the condemnation of Jesus.

"After deserting their Master in the garden, two of the disciples

had ventured to follow, at a distance, the mob that had Jesus in

charge. These disciples were Peter and John. The priests recognized

John as a well-known disciple of Jesus, and admitted him to the hall,

hoping that as he witnessed the humiliation of his leader, he would

scorn the idea of such a one being the Son of God. John spoke in

favor of Peter, and gained an entrance for him also.

"In the court a fire had been kindled; for it was the coldest hour

of the night, being just before the dawn. A company drew about the

fire, and Peter presumptuously toOk

his place with them. He did not

wish to be recognized as a disciple of Jesus. By mingling carelessly"

with the crowd, he hoped to be taken for one of those who had

brought Jesus to the hall."—"The

Desire of Ages," p. 710.

"Early in His ministry Christ had said, 'Destroy this temple,

and in three days I will raise it up.' In the figurative language of

prophecy, He had .thus foretold His own death and resurrection.

`He spake of the temple of His body.' These words the Jews had

understood in a literal sense, as referring to the temple at Jerusalem:

f 13 1

Of all that Christ had said, the priests could find nothing to use

against Him save this. By misstating these words they hoped to

gain an advantage. The Romans had engaged in rebuilding and em-

bellishing the temple, and they took great pride in it; any contempt

shown to it would be sure to excite their indignation. Here Romans

and Jews, Pharisees and Sadducees, could meet; for all held the

temple in great veneration. On this point two witnesses were found

whose testimony was not so contradictory as that of the others had

been. One of them; who had been bribed to accuse Jesus, declared,

`This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build

it in three days.' Thus Christ's words were misstated. If they had

been reported exactly as He spoke them, they would not have secured

His condemnation even by the Sanhedrim."—Id.,

pp. 705, 706.

When asked directly by the proper person o declare His iden-

tity, Jesus did not hesitate to answer. His words, "Thou hast said,"

are equivalent to an affirmative answer, as when He used the same

expression in answering Judas in verse 25.

In answering Caiaphas, "Christ presented the reverse of the scene

then taking place. He, the Lord of life and glory, would be seated at

God's right hand. He Would be the judge of all the earth, and from

His decision there could be no appeal. Then every secret thing would

be set in the light of God's countenance, and judgment be passed

upon every man according to his deeds."—"The

Desire of Ages,"

'. 707.

According to Jewish law, as cited in the "Cambridge Bible for

Schools and Colleges," "the penalty for procuring false witnesses was

death." Other violations of the rules of Hebrew justice were, "the

trial by night, the sentence on the first day of trial, the trial of a

capital charge on the day before the Sabbath, the suborning of wit-

nesses, the direct interrogation by the high priest." Also, "the con-

demned was not to be executed on the day of his trial."

"While the degrading oaths were fresh upon Peter's lips, and

the shrill crowing of the cock was still ringing in his ears, the Saviour

turned from the frowning judges, and looked full upon His poor

disciple. At the same time Peter's eyes were drawn to his Master.

In that gentle countenance he read deep pity and sorrow, but there

was no anger there.

"The sight of that pale, suffering face, those quivering lips, that

look of compassion and forgiveness, pierced his heart like an arrow.

. . . He reflected with horror upon his own ingratitude, his false-

hood, his perjury. Once more he looked at his Master, and saw a

sacrilegious hand raised to smite Him in the face. Unable longer to

endure the scene, he rushed, heartbroken, from the hall.

"He pressed on in solitude and darkness, he knew not and cared

not whither. At last he found himself in Gethsemane.. . . On the

very spot where Jesus had poured out His soul in agony to His

Father, Peter fell upon his face, and wished that he might die. It was

in sleeping when Jesus bade him watch and pray that Peter had pre-

pared the way for his great

sin."—"The Desire of Ages," pp. 712, 713.

[ 14

LESSON 5

JESUS BEFORE THE

SAI•IHEDRIN; JESUS

BEFORE PILATE; THE DEATH OF JUDAS

July, 31, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURES: Luke 22: 66 to 23:3; Matt. 27: 1-14.

PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: John 18: 28-38; Mark 15: 1-5.

MEMORY VERSE: "Who did no sin, neither was guile found

His mouth."

1 Peter 2: 22.

LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 716-728.

PLACES: Before the Sanhedrin; Pilate's judgment hall.

PERSONS: Jesus; the thief priests; Judas; Pilate; the multitude.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

The beginning of this lesson seems to have been a formal meeting

of the Sanhedrin, the council highest in authority among the Jews.

The purpose of this session in the morning was no doubt that of pass-

ing the legal sentence, and approving the acts of the previous night.

'•

Suggestions for Daily Family Study

Note the "Setting of the Lesson," and read the Lesson Scriptures. Drill

on the memory verse each day.

Study Questions 1.5, and Note 1. Children may read paragraphs 1-4 of

the primary lesson.

Study Questions 6-8, and Notes 2, 3. Children may read paragraphs 9-11

of the primary lesson. Read pages 723-725 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 9-11, and Note 4. Read pages 726-728 of the Lesson

Help.

Study Questions 12-17, and Notes 5-7. Children may read paragraphs

5-8 of the primary lesson. Read pages 716-719 of the Lesson Help.

Review the lesson by reading the Parallel Scriptures, each member of

the family reading in turn. Read pages 720-722 of the Lesson Help.

Review the lesson and notes. Use "The Youth's Instructor" and "Our

Little Friend" if these papers are at hand. Discuss the following topics :

Why did the Jews make it appear that Jesus was working against the Roman

government ?

Why did Jesus answer Pilate more fully than He had the Jewish priest?

If Judas had truly repented' of his sin, how differently would he have acted?

QUESTIONS

As soon as the day dawned after the night when Jesus was taken,

what was done with Him? Luke

22:

66. Note 1.

Having secured a meeting of the Sanhedrin, what question did

the elders and priests again'ask Jesus? What answer did Jesus

give to the question? Verse 67.

3.. What further statement did He make? Verses 68, 69.

What did this lead them all to ask? How did Jesus acknowledge

the truth. in their question? Verse 70.

How did they regard Christ's answer? Verse 71.

After His condemnation by the Sanhedrin, where was Jesus

taken? Luke 23: I. Note

[ 15 I

What accusation against Jesus was made to Pilate? Verse

What question did Pilate ask Jesus? What was Jesus' reply?

Verse 3. Note 3.

How did Jesus receive the charges of the priests and elders?

Matt. 27:

12.

1o. What did Pilate then ask Him? Verse 13.

1. When Jesus gave him no answer, how was Pilate affected?

Verse 14. Note 4.

12.

When Judas saw that Jesus was condemned by Caiaphas and the

Sanhedrin, what did he do? Verse 3. Note 5.

13.

What confession did he make? What reply was made to him?

Verse 4. Note 6.



•

14.

In his despair, what did Judas do? Verse 5.

15.

What did the priests say about the betrayal money? Verse 6.

Note 7.

i6. What did they do with this money? What name was given to

the potter's field? Verses 7, 8.

17. What prophecy was thus fulfilled? Verses 9, To.

NOTES

The charge against Christ before the Sanhedrin, or Jewish

national council, hastily assembled at the house of Caiaphas, the high

priest, was that of blasphemy, because, as they said, He, being a man,

made Himself God. But blasphemy against the God of the Hebrews

was not a crime under Roman law ; therefore, when Jesus was

brought before Pilate, He was charged with making Himself a king,

forbidding to pay tribute, and speaking against Caesar.

"After condemning Jesus, the council of the Sanhedrin had

come to Pilate to have the sentence confirmed and executed. . . .

When the Saviour was brought into the judgment hall, Pilate looked

upon Him with no friendly eyes. The Roman governor had been

called from his bedchamber in haste."-"The

Desire of Ages," p. 723.

Jesus' answer, "Thou sayest," is similar to that used before

Caiaphas when urged to say whether He was the Son of God or not.

(See Matt. 26: 64.) It is equivalent to an affirmative answer. Jesus

could not deny that He was the Son of God or King of the Jews.

"Pilate expected an answer. He knew the substantial falsehood

of both charges, but he would have them met by a reference to well-

known facts, that he might have ostensible grounds for requital,

which from first to last it was evidently his wish to pronounce. But

our Lord was silent."--Dean

Mansel.

Several things show that the repentance of Judas was not of

the genuine kind that brings remission of sins : (i) It did not come

till be saw that Jesus was condemned-it was based on consequences,

not on the sinfulness of betrayal. (2) If the repentance had been of

the right kind, he would not have taken his own life. (3) The word

"repented" used here is not the usual one for repentance of sin, but

rather,

,denotes a growing anxiety over a thing after it is dOne, and

could very properly be rendered here "filled with regret or remorse."

[ 16

"Judas reasoned that if Jesus was to be crucified, the event must

come to pass. His own act in betraying the Saviour would not change

the result. .



. Judas did not, however, believe that Christ would

permit Himself to be arrested. . . . Judas beheld the captors of

Christ, acting upon his words, bind Him firmly. In amazement he

saw that the Saviour suffered Himself to be led away.. Anxiously he

followed Him from the garden to the trial before the Jewish rulers.

At every movement he looked for Him to surprise His enemies, by

appearing before them as the Son of God, and setting at naught all

their plots and power. But as hour after hour went by, and Jesus

submitted to all the abuse heaped upon Him, a terrible fear came to

the traitor that he had sold his Master to His death.

"As the trial drew to a close, Judas could endure the torture of his

guilty conscience no longer. Suddenly a hoarse voice rang through

the hall, sending a thrill of terror to all hearts : He is innocent;

spare Him, 0 Caiaphas!

"The tall form of Judas was now seen pressing through the

startled throng. His face was pale and haggard, and great drops of

sweat stood on his forehead. Rushing to the throne of judgment, he

threw down before the high priest the pieces of silver that had been

the price of his Lord's betrayal. Eagerly grasping the robe of

Caiaphas, he implored him to release Jesus, declaring that He had

done nothing worthy of death. Caiaphas angrily shook him off, but

was confused, and knew not what to say. The perfidy of the priests

was revealed. It was evident that they had bribed the disciple to be-

tray his Master."—"The

Desire of Ages,"

pp. 720-722.

This is a striking example of straining at a gnat and swallowing

a camel. Matt. 23: 24. It was a matter for serious counsel what to do

with this "tainted" money,—tainted by themselves in taking it out of

the Lord's treasury and using it to bribe the betrayer of Jesus. They

were mindful of the law in not putting the price of bribery back into

the treasury, but they ignored the law in the murder of the innocent

Son of God.

LESSON 6

•

JESUS BEFORE HEROD ; PILATE SEEKS

TO RELEASE JESUS

August

7, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURES: Luke 23: 4-25; Matt. 27: 15-26.



(

PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: John 18t 38 to 19: 12; Mark 15: 5-15.

MEMORY VERSE: "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised

for our iniquities." Isa. 53: 5.

LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 728-740.

PLACES: Pilate's judgment hall; Herod's court.

PERSONS: Jesus; Pilate; Herod Antipas; priests; soldiers; the mob.

[ 17

SETTING OF THE LESSON

Jesus had been seized in the Garden of Gethsemane, tak6n before

Annas, thence to Caiaphas, the high priest; and had been condemned

to death bythe Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish authority. Having no

authority to execute the death sentence, the Jews brought Him be-

fore Pilate, the Roman governor, and sought to have him put Jesus

to death.

Suggestions for Daily Family Study

Note the "Setting of the

Lesson," and read the Lesson Scriptures. Drill

on the memory verse each day.

Study Questions 1.5, and Notes 1, 2. Children may read paragraphs 1-5

of the primary lesson. Read pages 728-730 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 6-9, and Notes 3, 4. Children may read paragraphs

6, 7, and may answer questions on paragraphs 1.7, of the primary lesson. Read

Page 731 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 10-14, and Notes 5, 6. Children may read paragraphs

8 and 9"of the primary lesson. Read pages 732-736 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 15.17, and Note 7. Children may read paragraphs 10-13

of the primary lesson. Read pages 737-740 of the Lesson Help.

Read the Parallel Scriptures. Discuss the following topics :

The difference between the character of Pilate and that of Herod.

Why Jesus would not perform a miracle before Herod.

Whether or not Pilate escaped responsibility for Jesus' death.

Review the lesson and notes. Use all lesson papers at hand.

QUESTIONS

2. After Pilate had talked with Jesus, what did he say to the chief

Priests and the people? Luke 23

In accusing Jesus, what did the Jews say of the extent of His

influence? What question did Pilate ask? Verses 5, 6. Note 1.

To whom did Pilate send Jesus? Versea. Note

What had Herod long desired? What did he now hope to see?

How did Jesus respond to his questions?, Ver

es 8, 9.

What did the chief priests and scribes continue to do? In what

cruel way was Jesus now mocked? To whom was He again sent?

Verses xo, xi.

What resulted from the sending of Jesus to Herod? Verse 52.

In what way did Pilate summarize the steps that had been taken

against Jesus? What did he offer to do to satisfy the Jews?

Verses 13-16.

What was customary for the governor to do at the time of the

Passover feast? What notorious prisoner was in bonds at that

time? Matt.

27: 15,

16. Note 3.

What question did Pilate 'put to the people? What did he know

about their motive in arresting Jesus? Verses 27, 18. Note 4.

lo. As Pilate sat on the judgment seat, what message did his wife

send him? Verse 19. Note 5.

Ir. What did the chief priests and elders persuade the multitude to

do? Verse

20.

12. What question did Pilate ask the people? What was their an-

swer? Verse

21.

[ 18

13. What further question did Pilate ask? What did they all say?,

Verse 22.

54. By what question did the governor then seek to dissuade them

from their purpose? What did the people persist in crying?

Verse 23. Note 6.

13. When Pilate saw he could not prevail with the people, what did

he do? How did he show'.his desire to escape from the responsi-

bility of his act? Verse 24. Note 7.

s6. What awful responsibility did the people take upon themselves?

Verse 25.

17. What was -Pilate's final decision regarding Jesus? Verse 26.

NOTES

Three charges against Jesus were made before Pilate by the •

Jews, and these may be summed up as follows : (I) sedition, inciting

revolution; (2) "forbidding to give tribute to Cxsar," the Roman

emperor; (3) claiming to be the Son of God and the king of the Jews.

The Herod here mentioned is Herod Antipas, son of Herod the

Great. He waA ruler- of Galilee and Perea. He was a wicked man,

and one of his greatest crimes was the beheading of John the Bap-

tist. At the time of the events of this lesson, he was in Jerusalem,

having come -to attend the Passover.

"The Roman authorities at this time held a prisoner named

Barabbas, who was under sentence of death. This man had claimed

to be the Messiah. He claimed authority to establish a different

order of things, to set the world right. Under satanic delusion he

claimed that whatever he could obtain by theft and robbery was his

own. He had done wonderful things through satanic agencies, he

had gained a following among the people, and had excited sedition

against the Roman government. Under cover of religious enthusiasm

he was a- hardened and desperate villain, bent on rebellion and

cruelty."—"The

Desire of Ages,"

733.

•

4. "By giving the people a choice between this man and the inno-

cent Saviour, Pilate thought to arouse them to a sense of justice.

He hoped to gain their sympathy for Jesus in opposition to the priests

and rulers. So, turning to the crowd, he said with great earnestness,

`Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is

called Christ?'

"—Ibid.

5. "Pilate was not left to act blindly. A message' from God

warned him from the deed he was about to commit. In answer to

Christ's prayer, the wife of Pilate had been visited by an angel from

heaven, and in a dream she had beheld the Saviour and conversed

with Him. Pilate's wife was not a Jew, but as she looked upon

Jesus in her dream, she had no doubt of His character or mission."—

Id..

p. 732.

After describing how there passed before her in the dream the

scenes in the judgment hall, the crucifixion, and the second coming of

Christ in glory, the record continues : "With a cry of horror she

awoke, and at once wrote to Pilate words of warning. While Pilate,

[ 19 ]

was hesitating as to what he should do, a messenger pressed through

the crowd, and handed him the letter from his wife, which read,—

`Have thou nothing to do with that just man; for I have suffered

many things this day in a dream because of Him.'

"—Ibid.

"Like the bellowing of wild beasts came the answer of the mob,

Release unto tis Barabbas. Louder and louder swelled the cry,

Barabbas! Barabbas! Thinking that the people had not understood

his question, Pilate asked, Will ye that I release unto you the King

of the Jews?' But they cried out again, 'Away with this man, and

release unto us Barabbas !"What shall I do then with Jesus which is

called Christ?' Pilate asked. Again the surging multitude roared

like demons. Demons themselves, in human form, were in the crowd,

and what could be expected but the answer, 'Let Him be crucified'?"—

Id.,

733.

"The Jews were accustomed to wash their hands when they

wished to show that they were innocent of a crime committed by

others. (See Deut.

21:

6; Ps. 26: 6.) Pilate, in doing this, meant to

denote that they were guilty of His death, but that he was innocent."

—Barnes' NMea-:

No one can lay the responsibility of his actions upon others.

Pilate could not wash his hands of the evil deed.

LESSON 7

JESUS MOCKED; THE CRUCIFIXION

August 14, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Matt. 27: 27-43.

PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: Mark 15: 16-32; Luke 23: 26-38; John 19: 13-24.

MEMORY VERSE: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down

his life for his friends." John 15: 13.

LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 741-749.

PLACES: Pilate's judgment hall; Calvary.

PERSONS: Jesus; Pilate; Roman soldiers; priests and people; Simon of

Cyrene; two thieves.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

Jesus had been seized in the Garden of Gethsemane, taken before

Annas and Caiaphas, and condemned to death by the Sanhedrin. For

approval and execution of the death sentence, He was brought before

Pilate, who sent Him to Herod. Herod sent Him back to Pilate, who

tried to arrange for His release, but the Jews‘demanded that He be

crucified.

Suggestions for

Daily Family Study

Note the "Setting of the Lesson," and.read the Lesson Scripture. Drill

on the memory, verse each day.

Study uestions 1.3, and Note 1. Children may read paragraphs 1 and

2 of the primary lesson.

Study

Questions

4-7, and Notes 2-4. Children may read paragraphs 3 and

4 of the primary lesson. Read pages 741-743 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 8-12, and Note 5. Children may read paragraphs 5-8 of

the primary lesson. Read pages 744 and 745 of the Lesson Help.

[ 20 ]

Study Questions 13-16, and Notes 6 and 7. Children may read paragraphs

9-12 of the primary lesson.' Read pages 746-749 of the Lesson Help.

Read the Parallel Scriptures, and review the pages of the Lesson Help.

Review the lesson and notes. Use the youth's and children's papers also

if convenient.

QUESTIONS

After Pilate gave sentence against Jesus, to what place did the

soldiers take Him? Matt. 27: 27. Note I.

To what mocking ceremony did they then subject Him? How

did they further show contempt for Him? Verses 28-30.

Having thus satisfied their evil desires, what did they do with

Jesus? Verse 31.

On the way to Calvary, what happened to Jesus? Who was com-

pelled to carry His cross? What blessing came to Simon as the

result of this compulsory service? Verse 32. Note

What companions of Barabbas were led along with Jesus to cruci-

fixion? Luke 23: 32. Note 3.

Whcsfollowed Him on the way to the cross?, Verse 27.

What did Jesus say of their weeping? Verses 28-31. Note 4.

Upon arrival at Calvary, what was offered to Jesus? Matt. 27: 33,

34. Note 5.

Being, raised upon the cross, what prayer did Jesus offer for His

tormentors? Luke 23: 34.

To. Upon beholding Jesus' agony on the cross, what did the rulers

and many people say? Verse 35.

IL What mocking words of the soldiers were added? Verses 36, 37.

12.

After crucifying Him, how 1

,lid they again fulfill scripture?

Matt. 27: 35.

13.

What writing was placed above the head of Jesus on the cross?

Verses 36, 37.

14.

Who were crucified with Jesus? Verse 38.

15.

What did those do who passed by? Verses 39, 40. Note 6.

16.

Who besides these joined in mocking Him? What taunting

words did they say? Verses 41-43. Note 7.

NOTES

"Into the common hall," or the pretOrium; or governor's house.

(See margin.) The whole band, or cohort, .gathered together to

mock Jesus. He had endured six trials, , before Annas, before

Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin at night, before the same body in the

morning, before. Pilate, before Herod, and again before Pilate. At

last, to appease the mob, sentence was given agairist Him. Yet, after

all this, Pilate put forth one more effort to save the Prisoner whom

he feared, and knew to be innocent.

Cyrene was in North Africa, a province of Libya. That part

is now known as Tunis. A large colony of Jews had settled there

centuries before; and there ware large numbers there. still.

[

21 1

"As Jesus passed the gate of Pilate's court, the cross which had

been prepared for Barabbas was laid upon His bruised and bleeding

shoulders. . . . He fell fainting beneath the burden. . . . At this

time a stranger, Simon a Cyrenian, coming in from the country, meets

the throng. He hears the taunts and ribaldry of the crowd; he hears

the words contemptuously repeated, Make way for the King of the

Jews. He stops in astonishment at the scene ; and as he expresses his

compassion, they seize him and place the cross upon his shoulders.

"Simon had heard of Jesus. His sons were believers in the

Saviour, but he himself was not a disciple. The bearing of the cross

to Calvary was a blessing to Simon, and he was ever after grateful

for this providence. It led him to take upon hitriself the cross of

Christ from choice, and ever cheerfully stand beneath its burden."—

"The Desire of Ages," pp. 741, 742.

"Two companions of Barabbas were to suffer death at the

same time with Jesus, and upon them also crosses were placed."—

Id., P. 74

" Tor if they do these things in a green tree, what shall.be done

in the dry?' By the green tree, Jesus represented Himself, the inno-

cent Redeemer. God suffered His wrath against transgression to fall

on His beloved Son. Jesus was to be crucified for the sins Of men.

What suffering, then, would the sinner bear who continued in sin?

All the impenitent and unbelieving would know a sorrow and misery

that language would fail to express."—Id.,

P. 743.

"For, if Israel had put such flame to its 'green tree,' how terribly

would the divine judgment burn among the dry wood of an apostate

and rebellious people, that had so delivered up its divine King, and

pronounced sentence upon itself by pronouncing k upon Him !"—

"Life and Times of Jesus,"_Edersheim, vol. 2, p_588.

"It was a merciful Jewish practice to give

—

tE:those led to exe-

cution a draught of strong wine mixed with myrrh, so as to deaden

consciousness. This charitable office was performed at the cost of, if

not by, an association of women in Jerusalem. That draught was of-

fered to Jesus when He reached Golgotha. But having tasted it, and

ascertained its character and object, He would not drink it."—

PP. 5

9, 590.

"The enemies of Jesus vented their rage upon Him as He hung

upon the cross. Priests, rulers, and scribes joined with the mob in

mocking the dying Saviour. At the baptism and at the transfigura-

tion the voice of God had been heard proclaiming Christ as His Son.

Again, just before Christ's betrayal, the Father had spoken, witnessing

to His divinity. But now the voice from heaven was silent. No

testimony in Christ's favor was heard. Alone He suffered abuse and

mockery from wicked men."—"The

Desire of Ages," p. 746.

"In their mockery of the Saviour, the men who professed to be

the expounders of prophecy were repeating the very words which in-

spiration had foretold they would utter upon this occasion. Yet in

their blindness they did not see that they were fulfilling the prophecy.

Those who in derision uttered the words, 'He trusted in God ; let

Him deliver Him now, if He will have Him ; for He said, I am the

[22

]

Son of God,' little thought that their testimony would sound down

the ages. But although spoken in mockery, these words led men to

search the Scriptures as they had never done before. Wise men

heard, searched, pondered, and prayed. There were those who never

rested until, by comparing scripture with scripture, they saw the

meaning of Christ's mission. Never before was there such a general

knowledge of Jesus as when He hung upon the cross. Into the hearts

of many who beheld the crucifixion scene; and who heard Christ's

words, the light of truth was shining."—Id.,

P. 749.

LESSON 8

JESUS ON THE CROSS

August 21, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURES: Matt. 27: 44-56; Luke 23: 39-49.

PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: Mark 15: 33-41; John'19: 25-37.

MEMORY VERSE: "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of

the world." John

1: 29.

LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 749-757.

PLACE: The hill called Calvary.

PERSONS: Jesus; soldiers; priests and people; the two thieves; Mary and

John; the centurion.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

Jesus had been taken to the hill Calvary, near Jerusalem, and

crucified. Two thieves.also were crucified at the same time.

Suggestions for Daily Family Study

Note the "Setting

of the-Lesson," and read the Lesson Scriptures. Drill

on the memory verse each day.

Study Questions 1-5, and Notes 1, 2. Children may read paragraphs 1-3

of the primary lesson. Read pages 749 and 750 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 6-10, and Notes 3, 4. Children may read paragraphs

4-6 of the primary lesson. Read pages 751-753 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 11-13, and Notes 5, 6. Children may read paragraphs

7-9 of the primary lesson. Read pages 754 and 755 of the Lesson Help.



•

Study Questions 14-16. Children may read paragraphs 10-13 of the pri-

mary lesson. Read pages 756 and 757 of the Lesson Help.

Read the Parallel Scriptures. Children may answer questions of primary

lesson. Review the order of events from the time Jesus was taken in the Garden

of Gethsemane until He hung upon the cross..

Review the lesson and notes, using other lesson papers if convenient.

QUESTIONS

How did the Jews taunt Jesus as He hung upon the cross? Matt.

7: 4

43•

Who besides the priests and the multitude joined in railing upon

Him? Verse 44.

How did the manner and spirit of Jesus finally affect one of them?

Luke 23: 39-41. Note 1.

[ 23 I

What request-did he make of Jesus? Verse 42.

What answer.did Jesus make to this petition? Verse 43. Note 2.

What women are mentioned as standing by' the cross? John

19 : 25.

Into whose care did Jesus commit His mother? What shows that

John understood the wish of Jesus? Verses 26, 27.. Note 3.

What supernatural occurrence witnessed to the tragedy of the

cross? Matt. 27: 45. Note 4.

g. About the ninth hour, with what pathetic appeal did Jesus startle

those around the cross? Verse 46.

to. What did some of the bystanders say about His cry? What did

one of them straightway do? • What protest' did the rest make?

Verses 47-49.

is. As Jesus gave up, His life, what words of victory did He utter?

Verse 5o; John tg 30.' Note 5.

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•

12.

What took place in the temple at the same hour? What phenom-

enon occurred in nature? Matt. 27: 51, 52, first part. Note 6.

13.

What wonderful experience took place later? . What did the

resurrected ones do? Verses 52, last part; 53.

14.

What effect did these things have upon the• centurion and his men?

What did they say? Verse 54.

15.

What company stood at a distance witnessing the terrible ordeal?

What relation had they sustained to Jesus in His work? Verse 55.

16.

Of this company, whose names are especially mentioned? Verse

56; Mark 15:40, 41..

NOTES

1. "To Jesus



agony on the cross there came one gleam of

comfort. It was the prayer .of the penitent thief. Both the men who

were crucified with Jesus had at first railed upon Him ; and one

under his suffering, only became more desperate and defiant. But

not so with his companion. This man was not a hardened criminal;

he had been led astray by evil associations, but he was less guilty than

many of those Who stood beside the cross reviling the Saviour. He

had seen and heard Jesus, and had been convicted by His teaching,

but he had been turned away from Him by the priests and rulers.

Seeking to stifle conviction; he had plunged deeper and deeper into sin,

until he was arrested, tried as a criminal, and condemned to die on

the cross. . . .

"When condemned for his, crime, the thief had become hopeless

and despairing; but strange, tender thoughts now spring up. He calls

mind all he has 'heard of Jesus, how He has healed the sick and

pardoned sin. He has heard the words of those who believed in

Jesus and followed Him• weeping. He has seen and read the title

above the Saviour's head. He has heard the passers-by repeat it, some

with grieved, quivering lips, others with jesting and mockery. The

Holy Spirit illuminates his mind, and little by little the chain of evi-

dence is joined together. In Jesus, bruised, mocked, and hanging

[

24]

upon the cross, he sees the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of

the world. Hope is mingled with anguish in his voice as the helpless,

dying soul casts himself upon a dying Saviour."—"The

Desire of

Ages," pp. 749, 750.

"I say unto thee to-day, Thou shalt be with Me in Paradise.

Christ did not promise that the thief should be with Him in Paradise

that day. He Himself did not go that day to Paradise. He slept in..

the tomb, and on the morning of the resurrection He said, 'I am not

yet ascended to My Father.' But on the day of the crucifixion, the

day of apparent defeat and darkness, the promise was given. 'To-

day,' while dying upon the cross as a malefactor, Christ assures the

poor sinner, 'Thou shalt be with Me in Paradise.'

"—Id.,-p. 751.

"It is well known that the punctuation of the Bible is not the work

of the inspired writers. Indeed, punctuation is but a modern art, the

comma in its present form having been invented in

1490

by a printer

of Venice. . . . In Luke 23: 43, place the comma after 'to-day,' and

give the direct instead of the inverted form of the verb; and the text

reads, 'Verily I say unto thee to-day, Thou shalt be with Me in

Paradise.' There is now no lack of harmony between this text and

Christ's later statement, that He had not yet ascended to

His: Father."

—Id., Appendix.

"0 pitiful, loving Saviour; amid all His physical pain and

mental anguish; He had a thoughtful care for His mother.. He had

no money with which to provide for her comfort; but He was en-

shrined in the heart of John, and He gave His mother to him as a

precious legacy. Thus He provided for her that which she most

needed,—the tender r sympathy of one who loved her because she

loved Jesus. And in receiving her as a sacred trust, John was re-

ceiving a great blessing. She, was a constant reminder of his beloved

Master."—Id.,

p. 752.

"In that thick darkness God's presence was hidden. He makes

darkness His pavilion, and conceals His glory from human eyes. God

and His holy angels were beside the cross. The Father was with His

Son. Yet His presence was, not revealed. Had His glory flashed

forth from the cloud, every human beholder would have been de-

stroyed. And in that dreadful hour, Christ was not to be comforted

with the Father's presence. He trod the winepress alone, and of the

people there was none with Him.

"In the thick darkness, God veiled the last human agony of His

Son. All who had seen Christ in His suffering had been convicted

of His divinity. That face, once beheld by hunianity, was never for-

gotten. As the face of Cain expressed his guilt as a murderer, so the

face of Christ revealed innocence, serenity,lienevolence,—the image

of God. But His accusers would not give heed to the signet of

heaven. Through long hours of agony, Christ had been. gazed 'upon

by the jeering multitude. Now. He was mercifully •hidden by• the

mantle of God."—Id.,

pp. 753? 754•

The seven sayings of Jesus on the cross form a remarkable

index to the Christ-life, and a striking epitome' of Christian expe-

rience :

(I) "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."

Luke 23 : 34.

(2)

"Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with Me in

Paradise." Luke 23 : 43.

(3)

"Woman, behold thy' son !" "Behold thy mother !" John

19: 26, 27.

(4)

"My God, MY God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" Matt.

27: 46.

(5)

"I thirst." John 19: 28.

(6)

"It is finished." John 19: 3o.

(7)

"Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit." Luke 23: 46.

"Never before had the earth witnessed such a scene. The mul-

titude stood paralyzed, and with bated breath gazed upon the Saviour.

Again darkness settled upon the earth, and a hoarse rumbling, like

heavy thunder, was heard. There was a violent earthquake. The

people were shaken together in heaps. The wildest confusion and

consternation ensued. In the' surrounding mountains, rocks were

rent asunder, and went crashing down into the plains. Sepulchers

were broken open, and the dead were cast out of their tombS. Crea-

tion seemed to be shivering to atoms. Priests, rulers, soldiers, exe-

cutioners, and . people, mute with terror, lay prostrate upon the

ground."—"The

Desire of Ages," p. 756.

LESSON 9

BURIAL AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS

August 28, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Matt. 27: 57 to 28: 4.

PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: Mark 15: 42 to 16: 4; Luke 23: 50 to 24: 2;

John 19: 38 to 20: 1.

MEMORY VERSE: "I have finished the work which Thou gayest Me to do."

John 17: 4.

LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 769-780.

PLACE: Calvary.

PERSONS: Jesus; disciples; Joseph of Arimathea ; Nicodemus; Pilate; sol-

diers; Jews; the women; angels.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

Jesus was crucified in the morning on Friday. He died in the

middle of the afternoon. As it was against 'the Jewish law for

criminals to, remain on the cross on the Sabbath, preparations were

hastened for the removal of the bodies. It was customary to bury

those who were executed, in a plot of ground set apart for that pur-

pose. The disciples were greatly troubled, for they did not want

Jesus buried in a place of dishonor. They lingered at the cross after

the death of Jesus, not knowing what to do.

Suggestions

for Daily Family Study

Read the "Setting of the Lesson," and .the Lesson Scripture. Drill on

the memory verse each day.

Study Questions 1-4, and Notes 1-3. Children may read paragraphs 1-4

of the primary lesson. Read pages 769-773 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 5-8, and Note 4. Children may read paragraphs 5-7 of

the primary lesson. Read pages 774-777 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 9-11, and Note 5. Children may answer questions on

paragraphs 1-7 of the primary lesson. Read pages 778 and 779 of the Lesson

Help.

Study Questions 12-16, and Notes 6 and 7. Children may read pahgraphs

8-10 of the primary lesson. Read page 780 of the Lesson Help.

Read the Parallel Scriptures: Discuss the following topics :

What must have been Pilate's thoughts during the time between the cruci-

fixion and the resurrection?

What were the thoughts of the disciples?

What were the thoughts of the priests and rulers?

What were the thoughts of the sick and suffering who were seeking Jesus'

help?

Review- the lesson and notes, using also all other lesson papers at hand.

QUESTIONS

How were the disciples affected by the death of Jesus? Note 7.

Who came to the cross after His death? Matt. 27: 57. Note

What request did Joseph make of Pilate? How did Pilate re-

spond to this request? Verse 58. Note 3.

What did Joseph do with the body of Jesus? Where did he lay

it? How did he make it secure? Verses 59, 6o.

Who are mentioned as witnessing the burial of Jesus? Verse 6r.

What indicates that Joseph's tomb was intended only as a tem-

porary burial place for the Lord? John 79: 47, 42.

What was the day called on which Jesus was crucified? What

day was drawing near? Luke 23

What did the hatred of the chief priests and Pharisees lead them

to do on the Sabbath? What saying of Jesus' did they call to

Pilate's attention? Matt. 27: 62, 63. Note 1.

What request did they make of Pilate? What reasons did they

give for this precaution? Verse 64.

. 10. What was Pilate's answer? Verse 65.

•

ii. How did they make the sepulcher sure? Verse 66. Note 5.

72. What did the women who came with Jesus do after witnessing

the burial of their Lord? Luke 23: 55, 56.



13. What had they purposed to do to the body of Jesus? When did

they attempt to carry their purpose into effect? Mark 16: I,

Luke 24: I. Note 6.

74. What had taken place before they reached the tomb? Matt. 28: 2.

15.

What was the appearance of this angel.? Verse 3.

16.

How did the angel's presence affect the Roman guard? What

thrilling experience was theirs? Verse 4. Note 7.

NOTES

"With the death of Christ the hopes of His disciples perished.

They looked upon His closed eyelids and drooping head, His hair

matted with blood, His pierced hands and feet, and .their anguish was

indescribable. Until the last they had not believed that He would die;

they could hardly believe that He was really dead. Overwhelmed

with sorrow, they did not recall His words foretelling this very scene.

Nothing that He had said, now gave them comfort. They saw only

the cross and its bleeding victim. The future seemed dark with

despair. Their faith in Jesus had perished; but never had they, loved

their Lord as now. Never before had they so felt His worth, and

their need of His presence."—"The

Desire of Ages,"

p. 772.

Joseph was a "counselor," which probably means that he was

a member of the great council of the Sanhedrin. Luke 23: 5o, 51.

Probably no one but a member of that court would have dared ask

such a favor of Pilate, who alone could give permission for the re-

moval of the body. Joseph had secretly believed in Christ for some

time, having but one friend to whom he had divulged his feelings,

namely, Nicodemus. Together they had decided to brave indignation,

and give the Saviour an honorable burial.

At this point, John introduces Nicodemus, who "brought a mix-

ture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight,". and adds,

"Then took they [Joseph and Nicodemus] the body of Jesus, and

wound it in linen clothes with the spice's." John 19 39, 40. Thus did

two rich men contribute to the fulfillment of Isaiah 53 : 9.



night

which



at first came to Jesus by night; but it was a night

which brought light to his soul. He next dared to raise his voice be-

fore the Sanhedrin, demanding fair treatment of Jesus. "both our

law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he dQeth?"

he said. Now he comes forward in this time of peril and utter need,

to identify himself with the Crucified One, who was lifted up.

How singular that these murderers of Jesus should remember

His repeated prediction that He should rise again inithree days, while

His own disciples, according to the testimony of one 'of the most de-

voted of them,

"knew not the scripture, that He must rise again"

(John zo 9), but were found mourning and weeping when Mary

Magdalene came to announce the resurrection, and even then "be-

lieved not." Mark 16 : 9-11.

The perfidy and hypocrisy of the priests and rulers who con-

demned Jesus is shown in many things, and in none more than in the

fact that while they pretended to believe false witnesses who accused

Jesus of desiring to destroy the temple, and build it again in three

days, yet they understood so well Christ's prediction concerning. His

resurrection on the third day that they obtained Pilate's consent, and

sealed the tomb with the Roman seal, placing a strong soldier guard

about it.

"The priests gave directions for securing the sepulcher. A great

stone had been placed before the opening. Across this stone they

placed cords, securing the ends to the solid rock, and sealing them

with the Roman seal. The stone could not be moved without break-

( 28 3

ing the seal. A guard of one hundred soldiers was then stationed

around the sepulcher to prevent it from being tampered with. The

priests did all they could to keep Christ's body where it had been

laid. He was sealed as securely in His tomb as if He were to remain

there through all

time."—"The Desire of Ages," p. 778.,

Among these women were:

(I) Mary Magdalene, out of whom Mark and Luke say Jesus had

cast seven devils, who is usually mentioned first in each of the Gospels.,

(John only excepted), who was first at the sepulcher on the morning

of the resurrection, first to discover that the tomb was empty, first to

be addressed by Jesus as He revealed to her His identity, first to carry

to the disciples, "as they mourned and wept," the joyful news that

Jesus had risen.

(2)

Mary the mother of James and Joses, generally accepted as

identical with the one whom John calls "Mary the wife of Cleophas,"

of whom but little is known.

(3)

"The mother of Zebedee's children," whose name is given by

Mark as Salome, and who .was very probably identical with the

woman mentioned in John 19 : 25 as "His mother's sister," that is,

sister to Mary, the mother of Jesus. In "The Desire of Ages," page

548, it is said that she "was a follower of Christ, and had ministered

to Him freely of her substance.' If it be true that Jesus' mother and

John's mother were sisters, it affords an added reason why Jesus

commended His mother to John's care at the cross, and why John's

mother made the special request for her sons to sit next to Jesus in

His kingdom.

7. "Now, priests and rulers, where is the power of your guard?—

Brave soldiers that have never been afraid of human power, are now

as captives taken without sword or spear. The face they look upon

is not the face of mortal warrior ; it is the face of

_ the mightiest of

the Lord's host. This messenger is he- who fills the position from

which Satan fell. It is he who on the hills of Bethlehem proclaimed

Christ's birth. The earth trembles at his approach, the hosts of dark-

ness flee, and as he rolls away the stone, heaven seems to come down

to the earth. The soldiers see him removing the stone as he would

a pebble, and hear him cry, Son of God, come forth; Thy Father calls

Thee. They see Jesus come forth from the grave, and hear Him

proclaim over the rent sepulcher, 'I am the resurrection and the life.' "

—"The Desire of Ages," pp. 779, 780.

THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING

September 25, 1926

LANDING 1926 MISSIONARY RECRUITS

IN FIELDS

[ 29

LESSON 10

VISITS TO THE SEPULCHER

September 4, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURE: John 20: 1-18.

PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: Matt. 28: 5-15; Mark 16: 5-11; Luke 24: 3-12.

MEMORY VERSE: "0 death, where is thy sting? 0 grave, where is thy

victory?" 1 Cor. 15: 55.

LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 781-794.

PLACES: At the sepulcher; in Jerusalem.

PERSONS: Mary and the other women; an angel; Peter and John; Jesus.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

Very early in the morning on the first day of the week, Jesus came

forth from the tomb, according to His promise that He would rise the

third day. The sealing of the tomb, the soldier guard, the power of

Satan,-none of these had been able to prevent Christ's glorious resur-

rection.

Suggestions for Daily Family Study

Note

the "Setting of the Lesson," and read the Lesson Scripture. Drill

on the memory verse each day.

Study Questions 1-7, and Notes 1, 2. Children may read paragraphs 1-4

of the primary lesson. Read pages 788 and 789 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 8-12, and Notes 3, 4. Children may read paragraphs

5-7 of the primary lesson.

Study Questions 13-17, and Note 5. Children may read paragraphs 8-12

of the primary lesson. Read pages 790-794 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 18, 19, and Notes 6, 7. Children may read paragraphs

13 and 14 of the primary lesson. Read pages 781-787 of the Lesson Help.

Read the Parallel Scriptures. Discuss the following topics :

How does the resurrection of Christ concern us personally? 1 Cor. 15: 17, 18.

Why did the disciples forget what Jesus said about His resurrection? •

Why did the priests remember it?

Review

the

lesson and notes. Use all lesson papers available.

QUESTIONS

On the morning of Jesus' resurrection, in what condition did

Mary Magdalene find the sepulcher? What did she do and say?

John

20 : I, 2.

What did the other women do? Luke 24: 1-3. Note T.

As they were perplexed over the empty sepulcher, who appeared

to them? Verse 4; Mark 16: 4, 5.

What words of assurance did the angel speak? What gentle re-

proof was given? Matt. 28: 5; Luke 24: 5.

•

5. What comforting message did the angel announce? Matt. 28: 6;

Luke 24: 6-8.

What were the women told to do? Matt. 28:7; Mark 16: 7.

Note

What response did they make? Matt. 28: 8.

S. As soon as Peter and John heard from Mary the news of the

resurrection, what did they do? John

20:

[ 30

9. With what haste did they go to the sepulcher? Who arrived first t

What did he do? Verses 4, 5.

to. What did Peter do as soon as he reached the tomb? What did

he see? Verses 6, 7. Note 3.

is. Seeing Peter's boldness, what did John do? Verses 8, 9. Note 4-

12.

After assuring themselves that Jesus was not in the tomb, to what

place did Peter and John go ? Verse so.

13.

When the women went to announce the resurrection, what did

Mary Magdalene do? Verse IL Note 5.

54.. Upon looking into the sepulcher, What did she see? What ques-

tion and reply passed between the angels and Mary? Verses

12, 13.

15.

As Mary turned from the interview, who met her? What con-

versation followed? Verses 54, 15.

16.

How did Jesus reveal His identity to Mary? What did Jesus say?

Verses 16, 17.

17.

Having thus personally met the risen Lord before all others, what

did Mary then do? Verse 18.

18.

While these events were taking place, what were the Roman,

soldiers doing? What plan was laid to prevent the truth.of the

resurrection of Jesus from becoming known? Matt. 28: 1I-13.

Note 6.



19.

How did the chief priests plan to keep the Roman soldiers from

receiving the penalty of sleeping on guard? What saying was

commonly repeated? Verses 14, 15. Note 7.

NOTES

"The women had not all come to the tomb from the same di-

rection. Mary Magdalene was the first to reach the place ; and upon

seeing that the stone was removed, she hurried away to tell the

disciples. Meanwhile the other women came

up."—"The Desire of

Ages,"

p. 788.

"He goeth before you." It is not in past traditions, however

holy ; it is not in past conceptions of truth, however much they may

have been blessed; it is not in dead creeds written by men, however

good; it is not in plans once successful, that our success lies; it is in

following the present living Christ in His work to-day, out into the

great fields where the need lies.

"Tell His disciples

and Peter."

Poor, discouraged, repentant

Peter! He is not forgotten by his Lord. Now, when risen from the

dead, Jesus remembers His sorrowing disciple, and fearing he will in

his despondency conclude that the Master does not care for him, He

asks that Peter especially be told He is risen from the dead. We have

the same loving, compassionate Saviour to-day.

"It was Christ Himself who had placed those grave clothes

with such care. When the mighty angel came down to the tomb, he

was joined by another, who with his company had been keeping guard

over the Lord's body. As the angel from heaven rolled away the

stone, the other entered the tomb, and unbound the wrappings front

the body of Jesus. But it was the Saviour's hand that folded each,

and laid it in its place. In His sight who guides alike the star and the

atom, there is nothing unimportant. Order and perfection are seen

in all His work."—"The

Desire of Ages," p. 789.

The individual characteristics of Peter and John are seen in

their visit to the tomb. Peter, rash and impetuous, went into the

tomb as soon as he reached it. John, more cautious and deliberate,

first looked in, going in later.

After visiting the sepulcher, the disciples went to their home.

Not so with Mary Magdalene. She .could not 'go home. She had

lost her Lord, and could not rest till she had found Him. She re-

mained by the sepulcher to weep. Often to such anxious souls the

Lord appears. While she wept, her Lord appeared with words of

comfort. She was the first to greet Him after He had, risen from the

dead.

"At sight of the angels and the glorified Saviour the Roman

guard had fainted and become as dead men. When the heavenly

train was hidden from their view, they arose to their feet, and as

quickly as their trembling limbs could carry them, made their way

to the gate of the garden. Staggering like drunken men, they hur-

ried on to the city, telling those whom they met the wonderful news.

They, were making their way to Pilate, but their report had been

carried to the Jewish authorities, and the chief priests and rulers

sent for them to be brought first into their presence. A strange ap-

pearance those soldiers presented. Trembling with fear, their faces

colorless, they bore testimony to the resurrection of Christ. The

soldiers told all, just as they had seen it; they had not had time to

think or speak anything but the truth. With painful utterance they

said, It was the Son of God who was crucified; we have heard an

angel proclaiming Him as the Majesty of heaven, the King of Glory.

"The faces of the prists were as those of the dead. Caiaphas

tried to speak. His lips moved, but they uttered no sound. The

soldiers were about to leave the council room, when a voice stayed

them. Caiaphas had at last found speech. Wait, wait, he 'said. Tell

no one the things you have seen.

"A lying report was then given to the soldiers. 'Say ye,' said the

priests, 'His disciples came by night, and stole Him away while we

slept.'

"—"The Desire of Ages," pp. 781', 782.

"The soldiers were horrified at the thought of bringing upon

themselves the charge of sleeping at their post. This was an offense

punishable with death. Should they bear false witness, deceiving the

people, and placing their own lives in peril? Had they not kept their

weary watch with sleepless vigilance? How could they stand the

trial, even for the sake of money, if they perjured themselves?

"In order to silence the testimony they feared, the priests prom-

ised to secure the safety of the giiard, saying that Pilate would not

desire to have such a report circulated any more than they did. The

Roman soldiers sold their integrity to the Jews for money. They

came in before the priests burdened with a most startling message

of truth; they went out with a burden of money, and on their tongues

a lying report which had been framed for them by the priests."—

Id., p. 782.

[ 32 ]

LESSON 11

ON THE WAY TO EMMAUS ; JESUS

APPEARS TO THE DISCIPLES

September 11, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURES: Luke 24: 13-48; John 20: 19-31.

PARALLEL SCRIPTURE: Mark 16: 12-14.

MEMORY VERSE: "Be not faithless, but believing." John 20: 27.

LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 795

-808.

PLACES: Jerusalem; Emmaus.

PERSONS: Jesus; Cleopas and another disciple; Thomas with the eleven.

SETTING OF THE LESSON ,

The eleven disciples seem to be the last to accept the truth that

Jesus had risen from the dead. The Roman soldiers believed, the-

priests knew the truth of the matter, and Mary and the other women.

testified that they had seen Him. To the eleven, these things seemed.

as "idle tales," and they "believed not."

Suggestions for Daily Family Study



1. Note the "Setting of the Lesson," and read the Lesson Scripture. Drill_

on the memory verse each day.

Study Questions 1-4, and Notes 1-3, Children may read paragraphs 1-4

of the primary lesson. Read pages 795 and 796 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 5-8, and Notes 4-7. Children may read paragraphs 5-S.

of the primary lesson. Read pages 799-801 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 9-14, and Note 8. Children may read paragraphs 9-11

of the primary lesson. Read pages 802-805 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 15-17. Children may read paragraphs 12-14 of the pri-

mary lesson. Read pages 806-808 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 18-20, and Note 9. Children may read paragraphs 15'

and 16 of the primary lesson. Discuss the following:

The proofs that Jesus rose •from the dead.

The events in order of that first day of the week on which Jesus arose from

the dead.

The exact fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

Review the lesson and notes, using all available lesson papers.

QUESTIONS

Where did two disciples go on the day of the resurrection ? Of

what did they talk? Luke 24: 13, 14. Note i.

Who joined them on the way to Emmaus? Why did they not

know Him? Verses 15, 16. Note

What question did Jesus ask? What reply did Cleopas make?

Verses 17, 18.

To Jesus' further question, what did they say? What did they

say was their hope concerning Jesus? Verses 19-24. Note 3.

What reply did Jesus make? Verses 25, 26. Note 4.

How did He try to help their understanding of what had taken

place? Verse 27. Note 5.

7.'As they came near to Emmaus, what did Jesus do? What re-

quest did the two disciples make of Him? Verses 28, 29. Note 6.

How was Jesus finally revealed to them? What did He then do?

What did they say? Verses 30-32. Note 7.

Where did the two disciples immediately go? Whom did they

find? What was the topic of conversation? What did the two

disciples tell the others? Verses 33-35.

1o. How was their story received? As they were talking concerning

the matter, who appeared to them? Mark 16: 12-14. Note 8.

11.

Under what conditions were they assembled? With what words

did Jesus salute them? Luke 24: 36; John zo: 19.

12.

How did His appearance affect them? Luke 24: 37.

13.

How did He reprove them for their unbelief ? How did He seek

to convince them of the reality of His presence? Mark 16: 14;

Luke 24: 38-4o.

14.

What further proof did He give? Luke 24: 4

-43.

15.

On what foundation did Jesus establish His words and His mis-

sion? Verses 44, 45.

16.

What reason did Jesus say the Scriptures give for His suffering,

death, and resurrection? What was the relationship of His dis-

ciples to those experiences? Verses 46-48.

17.

Which of the disciples was absent when Jesus met with them?

What did Thomas say when the disciples told him they had seen

the Lord? John

20 : 24, 25.

18.

How long a time elapsed before Jesus met again with the dis-

ciples? Who is especially mentioned as being present? How did

Jesus again greet them? Verse 26.

19.

What did He say to Thomas? What was Thoinas' reply? What

gentle reproof and lesson did Jesus give? Verses 27-29. Note 9.

20.

Of what do we not have a complete record? Why are some of

His sayings and works recorded? Verses 3o, 31.

NOTES

The name "Emmaus" means "warm springs." This was a little

town about eight miles from Jerusalem. Its location is not now iden-

tified with certainty. Doubtless the disciples left Jerusalem in the

afternoon, for the day was far spent when they reached Emmaus.

These two disciples were not of the twelve, but of "the rest."

Luke 24: 9.

"Their eyes were holden." They were so absorbed in the con-

templation of their disappointed hopes, and so sad and troubled at

the perplexing tidings they had received concerning the empty tomb

and the absent body of Jesus, that they did not observe the Stranger

very closely. So in our perplexity and trials the blessed Master is

near to

us, but our eyes are often holden through unbelief, and we

do not see Him.

They rehearsed the events of the last three days, the betrayal

and trials of Jesus, their own disappointment, the visit to the

[ 34 ]

sepulcher, the half-believed story of His resurrection. Note that of

the three days in which all these things happened, 'this is i`the third

day," thus showing how elastic is the term over which many are led

into controversy. The three days so often mentioned in connection

with the Saviour's sufferings include parts of two days and the whole

of one.

"Strange that the disciples did not remember Christ's words, and

realize that He had foretold the events which had come to pass. They

did not realize that the last part of His disclosure would be just as

verily fulfilled as the first part, that the third day He would rise

again. This was the part they should have remembered."—"The

Desire of Ages,' p. 796.

The word "fools" as here used means "dull," or as Christ ex-

plains, "slow" to see and understand.

Jesus might easily have convinced the disciples of His resurrec-

tion by showing them His wounded hands, or revealing His power in

some supernatural way. But He desired that their belief in Him

should rest, not on sight, or some miraculous revelation, but on the

Scriptures. In like manner He desires that we believe in Him, not

because We see some miracles performed, but on the plain statement

of the Scriptures themselves.

Do we desire the Lord's presence sufficiently to urge that He

abide with us? We often urge the coming or tarrying of a friend.

Would ,not Christ be oftener our companion in the common things

of life if we but urged or "constrained" Him more?

"The simple ,evening meal of bread is soon prepared. It is

placed before the guest, who has taken His seat at the head of the

table. Now He puts forth His hands to bless the food. The disciples

start back in astonishment. Their companion spreads forth His hands

in exactly the same way as their Master used to do. They look again,

and lo, they see in His hands the print of nails. Both exclaim at

once, It is the Lord Jesus! He has risen from the dead! They rise

to cast themselves at His feet and worship Him, but He has vanished

out of their sight."—"The

Desire of Ages," p. 800.

"The travelers find all in surprised excitement. The voices of

those in the room break out into thanksgiving and praise, saying, The

Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.' Then the two

travelers, panting with -the haste with which they have made their

journey, tell the wondrous story of how Jesus has appeared to them.

They have just ended, and some are saying that they can not believe

it, for it is too good to be true, when behold, another person stands

before them. Every eye is fastened upon the stranger. No one has

knocked for entrance. No footstep has been heard. The disciples are

startled, and wonder what it means. Then they hear a voice which

is no other than the voice of their Master. Clear and distinct the

words fall from His lips, 'Peace be unto you.'

"—Id., pp.

802,

803.

"Many who are given to doubt excuse themselves by saying

that if they had the evidence which Thomas had from his companions,

they would believe. They do not realize that they have not only that

evidence. but much more. Many who, like Thomas, wait for all

cause of doubt to be removed, will never realize their desire. They

E 35 3

gradually become confirmed in unbelief. Those who educate them-

selves to look on the dark side, and murmur and complain, know note

what they do. They are sowing the seeds of doubt, and they will

have a harvest of doubt to reap. At a time when faith and confi-

dence are most essential, many will thus find themselves powerless

to hope and believe."—Id.,

pp. 807, 808.

LESSON 12

JESUS APPEARS AGAIN TO THE DISCIPLES

September 18, 1926

LESSON SCRIPTURES: John 21: 1-25; Matt. 28: 16-20; 1 Cor. 15: 3-7.

MEMORY VERSE: "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the

world." Matt. 28: 20.

LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 809-828.

PLACES: The Sea of Galilee; a mountain in Galilee, near the sea, thought by

some to be the mount where the Beatitudes were spoken.

PERSONS: Jesus; seven'disciples; the disciples and a number of believers.

SETTING OF THE LESSON

On the day of His resurrection, Jesus had appeared to Mary

Magdalene (John zo: 11-17) ; to the other women (Matt. 28 : 5-to) ;

to two disciples going to Emmaus (Luke 24: 13-31) ; to theapostles,

excepting Thomas (John 2o: to-21). "After eight days," Jesus ap-

peared to the apostles, Thomas being present (John 2o: 24-29). The

statement is made in Luke

24:

34 that He had also appeared to Simon

Peter„but the occasionqr not recorded.

Suggestions for Daily Family Study

1..Study the "Setting of the Lesson" until the points are fully fixed in mind,

in their order. Read the Lesson Scriptures. Drill on the memory verse each day.

Study Questions 1-4, and Notes 1, 2. Children may read paragraphs 1-4

of the primary lesson. Read page 809 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 5-10, and Note 3. Children may read paragraphs 5 and

6 of the primary lesson. Read page 810 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 11-14, and Notes 4-7. Children may read paragraphs

7-9 of the primary lesson. Read pages 811-815 of the Lesson Help.

Study Questions 15-17, and Note 8. Children may answer questions on

paragraphs 1-9 of the primary lesson. Read pages 816 and 817 of the Lesson

Help.

Study Questions 18-21, and Note 9. Children may read paragraphs 10-12

of the primary lesson. Read selected portions from pages 818-828 of the Lesson

Help.

Review the lesson and notes. Use "The Youth's Instructor" and "Our

Little Friend," if at hand.

QUESTIONS

Before His death, what appointment did Jesus make to meet with

His disciples? Matt. 26: 32.

•

What reminder of ,this appointment was given to the disciples?

Matt. 28: 5-7. Note t.

Where did Jesus meet the disciples? Which of the disciples were

together? John

21 : I, 2.

Note

1 36 ]

How did they come to be on the water together? Where did they

first see Jesus? How did they regard Him? Verses 3, 4.

How did Jesus address them? Verse 5.

What did Jesus then command them to do? Verse 6. Note 3.

Upon witnesing the wonderful result of obedience, what did John

say? How did Peter show his haste to meet Jesus? Verse 7.

How did the other disciples reach the shore? When they landed,

what did they see? What did Jesus say? Verses 8-1o.

After the disciples had counted the' fishes, what did the Lord say

to them? What did they. not dare to ask? How was the meal

served? Verses 11-13.

to. How many times had Jesus now met with the disciples since His

resurrection? Verse 14.

IL When they had eaten, what did Jesus say to Peter? What an-

swer did Peter make? Verse 15. Note 4.

12.

Why did Jesus repeat this question a second and third time?

Verses 16, 17. Note 5.

13.

What special commission- did Jesus give Peter? What change

was made in this commission when it was repeated? Verses

15-17. Note 6.

14.

What contrast did Jesus next draw between Peter's early and

closing career? Verses 18, 19. Note 7.

r5. 'Turning about just then, whom did Peter see following them?

' Having learned of his own future, what was Peter curious to

knowof the other disciple? Verses

2,0,

21.

16.

How was the question answered? What false interpretation was

placed upon the words of Jesus? Verses 22, 23. Note 8.

17.

In what words does John reveal the identity of "that disciple"?

What does John say concerning other things which Jesus said and

did during His earthly ministry? Verses 24, 25.

18.

Where did the disciples at last meet as Jesiis- had appointed?

Matt. 28: 16.

19: Who besides the apostles met with Him at this time? 1 Cor. 15 : 6.

20.

Notwithstanding the abundant proof of Jesus' resurrection, what

did some do? Matt. 28: 17. Note g.

21.

What did Jesus say had been given to Him? What commission

was given to the disciples? How long will He be with His

people? Verses 18-20.

NOTES

1. "Jesus had appointed to meet His disciples in Galilee; and soon

after the Passover week was ended, they bent their steps thither.

Their absence from Jerusalem during the feast, would have been

interpreted as disaffection and heresy, therefore they remained till

its close; but this over, they gladly turned homeward to meet the

Saviour as

He had directed.

"Seven of the disciples were in company. They were clad in the

humble garb of fishermen; they were poor in worldly goods, but rich

[ 3 7 ]

in the knowledge and practice of the truth, which in the sight of

Heaven gave them the highest rank as teachers."—"The

Desire of

Ages," p. 800.

The Sea of Galilee was also known as the Sea of Tiberias.

This is another illustration of the fact that in obeying the Lord's

commands there follows a reward which meets the demand of the

hour. When the Lord said to the nobleman, "Go thy way; thy son

liveth," on returning home he found his heart's desire. When Jesus,

out on the deep sea, said to Peter, "Come," obedience to the com-

mand provided power with which to walk on the water. The law of

friendship with Christ is still the same. John 15: 14. To obey im-

plicitly is the first step into the Lord's confidence, and toward final

reward.

This question was to refresh Peter's mind regarding what he

had said on the night of the betrayal,—that, although all the other

disciples should deny the Lord, he never would; that he loved Him

enough to go to prison or to death with Him, even though the other

disciples should forsake Him. So the Lord reminds us frequently, •

after our failures, of our boasted love, not by direct reference to

the boasts made, but by some other test which will cause us to reflect

on the failures.

"While Christ and the disciples were eating together by the

seaside, the Saviour said to Peter, 'Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou

Me more than these?' referring to his brethren. Peter had once de-

clared, 'Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I

never be offended.' But he now put a truer estimate upon himself.

`Yea, Lord,' he said, 'Thou knowest that I love Thee.' There is no

vehement assurance that his love is greater than that of his brethren.

He does not express his own opinion of his devotion. To Him who

can read all the motives of the heart he appeals to judge as to his

sincerity,—`Thou knowest that I love Thee.' And Jesus bids him,

`Feed My lambs.'

"Again Jesus applied the test to Peter, repeating His former

words: 'Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me ?' This time He did

not ask Peter whether he loved Him better than did his brethren.

The second response was like the first, free from extravagant assur-

ance : Tea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee.' Jesus said to

him, 'Feed My sheep.' Once more the Saviour put the trying ques-

tion: 'Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?' Peter was grieved; he

thought that Jesus doubted his love. He knew that his Lord had

cause to distrust him, and with an aching heart he answered, 'Lord,

Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee.' Again

Jesus said to him, 'Feed My sheep.'

"Three times Peter had openly denied his Lord, and three times

Jesus drew from him the assurance of his love and loyalty, pressing

home that pointed question, like a barbed arrow to his wounded heart.

Before the assembled disciples Jesus revealed the depth of Peter's re-

pentance, and showed how thoroughly humbled was the once boasting •

disciple."—"The

Desire of Ages," pp. 811, 812.

This change is remarkable because it shows 'that Christ not

only distinguished between the older and younger members of His

body, but that He in this case called attention to the younger ones

.first,_ indicating that they should find a prominent place in the labors

of those who work for the Master. It is also remarkable that the

word "feed," used in verses 16 and 17, comes from two different

originals. The one in verse 17 means to give pasture, and the other

conveys the sense of tending as a shepherd. Not only, then, were

the individual members of the flock to be fed, but also tended, and

cared for in every need.

Peter in his old age "should stretch forth his hands in un-

wonted helplessness, perhaps to allow them to be fastened to the

transverse beam of a cross; and the executioner should gird him,

fastening him to the cross with cords; and he should be carried to

death against his natural will, though glad thus to suffer for his

Lord. It must have humbled him, showing him that he, the denier,

was to die the same death as his Lord. According to Origen, Peter

was crucified with his head downwards, . . . perhaps at his own re-

quest, because in his humility he would not occupy the exact position

held by his

Master."—Peloubet.

it is now; many take their eyes from their own work, tc

watch the course of others, as though it were a part of their duty to

know all the particulars of a fellow laborer's calling. But the

answer to Peter's question is a good one now for all inquisitive ones :

"What is that to thee? follow thou Me."

"At the time appointed, about five hundred believers were col-

lected in little knots on the mountain-side, eager to learn all that

could be learned from those who had seen Christ since His resurrec-

tion. From group to group the disciples passed, telling all they had

seen and heard of Jesus, and reasoning from the Scriptures as He

had done with them. Thomas recounted the story of his unbelief,

and told how his doubts had been swept away. Suddenly Jesus stood

among them. No one could tell whence or how He came. Many

who were present had never before seen Him; but in His hands and

feet they beheld the marks of the crucifixion ; His countenance was

as the face of God, and when they saw Him, they worshiped Him.

But some doubted. So it will always

be."—"The Desire of Ages,"

p. 819.

LESSON 13

THE REVIEW

September 25, 1926

Suggestions

for Daily Family Study

Study Questions 1, 2. Children may tell the true meaning of the illustra-

tion of the vine and its branches. In each day's study, review the memory verse.

Study Questions 3, 4.

I...et '

the children have a part in telling the story

of what occurred in

the

Garden of Gethsemane. Review the experience of Peter

in denying his Lord.

Study Question 5. Children may relate the story of Judas.

Study Question 6. Children may relate the incidents; older members em-

phasize the practical thoughts.

[ 39

Study Questions 7, 8. Children may relate the incidents, older persons

developing the lessons in a practical way.

Study Questions 9, 10. Children may tell the story of the resurrection.

Study Questions 11, 12. Children may relate the story of Jesus' appear-

ance by the sea.

QUESTIONS

Concerning what important event in His life had Jesus been teach-

ing His disciples? What effect did His words have upon theni?

How did He seek to comfort them? Lesson 1. John 14.

What illustration did Jesus use to teach the relationship that His

followers sustain to Him and to the Father? Upon what condi-

tions does abundant fruit-bearing depend? Lesson

John

15 : 1-15.

What repeated experience.in the life of Jesus reveals His hu-

manity and His dependence upon the Father? How only was He

able to supply this need? Lesson 3. . Matt. 26: 36-56.

In what spirit did Jesus meet the false witness and inhuman

treatment of His captors? How did Peter's actions under trial

reveal his lack of courage and loyalty to Jesus? Lesson4: • Matt.

26: 57-75.

Why was Jesus taken from the Sanhedrin to appear before

Pilate? What motive prompted Judas to betray his Lord? What

was the nature of his repentance? Lesson 5. Luke

22 :

66 to

23: 3; Matt. 27: 1-14.

What judgment did Herod render concerning Jesus which was

twice given by Pilate? What attempts did Pilate make to release

Jesus? Lesson 6. Luke 23 : 4-25; Matt. 27: 15-26.

To what mocking ceremony was Jesus subjected? What incident

took place on the way to Calvary? What writing was placed

above the head of Jesus on the cross? Who were crucified with

Him? Lesson 7. Matt. 27: 27-43.

What experience of Jesus on the cross shows that He is abler tb

save to the uttermost those who accept Him as a Saviour? What

four phenomena of nature took place while Jesus hung upon the

cross? Lesson 8. Matt. 27: 44-56; Luke 23: 39

49.

What two persons of distinction took the body of Jesus from the

cross to entomb it? How was this tomb made secure against

theft? When was this arrangement made? By whom? What

is recorded concerning the details of Jesus' resurrection? Les-

son 9. Matt. 27 : 57 to 28: 4.

to. Who were the first to discover the empty tomb? On what errand

had they come? Name those who visited the tomb that day.

Under what circumstances did Jesus reveal Himself? Lesson so.

John

20: 1-18.

It.

How did Jesus make Himself known to the disciples who went to

Emmaus? Lesson it. Luke 24: 13-48; John zo: 19-39.

12.

What circumstances attended the third appearance of Jesus

His disciples? What special commission did He givelto one of

them? *How many gathered on the mountain-side. to

intet"

the

appointment previously made by Jesus? Lesson

12.

John 21: 1.-

25; Matt. 28: 96-2o; i Cor. 15: 3-7.

[ 40 ]